backswing

American  

[bak-swing] / ˈbækˌswɪŋ /

noun

Sports.

1. the movement of a bat, racket, or the like, toward the back of a player in preparation for the forward movement with which the ball is struck.

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Etymology

Origin of backswing

First recorded in 1895–1900; back ¹ ( def. ) + swing ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

backswing

DeChambeau was given a two-shot penalty on Friday after tournament officials ruled he had improved the area of his backswing by flattening down some long grass on Royal Birkdale's fifth hole.

From Barron's ● Jul. 20, 2026

And as he approached his 40s, he also began lifting his front heel on his backswing to help with hip rotation and add even more power—a trick he borrowed straight from Nicklaus.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 8, 2026

“Did you know you have too big a backswing on your volleys?”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 23, 2025

Instead, using a silent camera with no motor to avoid disturbing Mr. Woods’s backswing, Mr. Vuich took a wide shot from a tower of his tee shot at the final hole, nearly surrounded by fans.

From New York Times ● Jan. 24, 2024

The top of a backswing makes some of the nicest shapes in golf photography.

From BBC ● Dec. 29, 2023